ABS_logo

Cutting sludge without cutting corners

Cutting sludge without cutting corners

An eight-month Biofermentation® trial showed significant reductions in solids, polymer use and energy consumption, improving plant efficiency without capital investment.

  • UK
  • Municipal
  • Sludge Reduction

Challenge

Faced with rising operational costs, a UK water utility wanted to test whether Biofermentation® could reduce solids production and boost plant efficiency.

Solution

An eight-month demonstration applied Biofermentation® at a stable activated sludge plant to assess impacts on effluent quality, solids generation, and OPEX without changing infrastructure.

Outcome

The plant saw a sharp reduction in solids and a noticeable improvement in effluent quality, all while cutting operational costs.

44%

less solids produced

27%

decrease in electricity usage

143%

suspended solids throughput

Learn more about ABS Consulting Services

On-site support from our experts to help fine-tune processes, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements with minimal disruption.

Explore More  →

Details

Setting a reliable benchmark for Biofermentation®
The demonstration took place at a UK wastewater treatment works serving a population equivalent of 16,267. The works had no industrial discharges and was fully compliant with its Water Order discharge limits at the start of the project. It featured two biological treatment trains, each with anoxic zones, aeration tanks, and clarifiers. The aim was to test Biofermentation® in a stable environment, providing a clear benchmark for assessing performance gains.

“On average, ABS has cut our hauling by 70%.“

Kyle Jerrels

Superintendent, City of Starke FL, USA

Impact on effluent and biomass

Despite the site’s already strong performance, the introduction of Biofermentation® led to marked improvements. Effluent quality increased significantly, with BOD reduced by 57%, suspended solids by 46%, and ammonia by 10%. Settleability of the biomass improved by 12%, supporting more stable operation.

Sludge and cost savings

One of the clearest benefits was a 44% reduction in secondary solids using normalised data — achieved without optimising the plant’s operation. In addition to reducing solids sent for disposal, the programme also cut polymer use by 40%, electricity by 27%, and sludge exports by 22%.

 

With these operational savings and no need for capital upgrades, the programme demonstrated the potential to be revenue positive. Results also aligned with similar demonstrations in the US, where solids reductions regularly exceed 60%.

Long-term potential

By unlocking capacity in an already compliant site, the utility showed how existing assets can be extended rather than replaced. The Biofermentation® programme offers a viable path to more sustainable treatment, lower operating costs, and progress toward carbon targets, all without the burden of new infrastructure.

Take the first step towards smarter wastewater

Ready to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and meet compliance faster?
Our team is here to help. Let’s discuss how ABS can optimise your wastewater treatment process.